The family of Gerald (Jerry) Thomas Berry is saddened to announce that Jerry passed away at the age of 68 on Tuesday, January 31st following a 15-month battle with cancer. While much of Southwest Florida knew Jerry as the region’s preeminent criminal defense attorney, his family and friends knew him best as a husband, dad, grandfather, loyal friend, and golf buddy. Jerry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cathy; his two grown children, Taylor Berry (David Hanson) and Casey Berry (fiancée Katie Breaker); and his grandchildren, Parker and Harrison Hanson.
A Florida native, Jerry was born in Miami in 1954 to Grady and Pauline Berry, a longtime postal worker and a K-Mart clerk, respectively. Truly self-made, Jerry graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida and received his law degree from Florida State University. Determined to graduate debt-free, he worked his way through undergrad and law school delivering pizzas, taking on odd jobs, and even selling his plasma to the medical school. Never subscribing to the “all work and no play” mantra, though, Jerry still managed to play traveling club rugby at both schools. It comes as no surprise to anyone that he counted many of his teammates as close friends throughout his life.
Following law school, Jerry cut his teeth as an Assistant State Attorney in Polk County before relocating to Naples in 1981. His unyielding empathy and commitment to innocent until proven guilty, however, made him better suited for the other side of the courtroom; in 1984, Jerry made the fortuitous move to launch his career as a criminal defense attorney. In 1989, he opened his own firm dedicated exclusively to criminal cases, an otherwise unheard-of and ill-advised concept at the time. Motivated to prove the naysayers wrong, Jerry tirelessly fought on behalf of the accused, giving every case his best. While many of his cases made national headlines over the years, he dedicated himself to innumerable pro bono cases as well, caring far less about his own interests than about righting injustices.
Beyond working directly with clients, Jerry served in countless leadership roles throughout his career. In his early days in Naples, he taught classes and presided over the Inns of Court, a non- partisan organization promoting professionalism and lasting relationships within the profession. Honored to lead the Collier County Bar Association (CCBA) as president for a term, he went on to create the more-specialized Collier County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CCACDL), where he also served as president. As president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), he refused to relocate the organization’s annual meeting from New York City one month after the 9/11 attacks because, “we cannot let the bad guys win.” Serving as Board Chair for the Florida Innocence Project later in his career, he tirelessly advocated for the freedom of innocent prisoners. He also taught the DUI Law course at the Ave Maria School of Law.
Throughout his career, Jerry received many impressive awards and accolades. The Judges of Collier County recognized Jerry’s excellence in the legal profession and commitment to public service with the Donald VanKoughnet Lion of the Law award, the most prestigious award a Collier County trial lawyer can receive. When presenting the award, the judges cited Jerry’s dedication to mentoring young lawyers, assisting the less fortunate, and improving the legal profession. In 2016, The American College of Trial Lawyers selected Jerry to join the exclusive, invitation-only ranks of attorneys who have demonstrated the highest levels of integrity and trial advocacy. Only two Naples lawyers have received this honor. In the same year, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers invited Jerry to join its equally exclusive honor society. To qualify, members must have 10 years of criminal trial experience and have tried a minimum of 35 felony jury trials. The Florida Bar Association recognized Jerry as a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, a distinction reserved for lawyers who have mastered exceptional trial-level skills while also demonstrating impressive character and professionalism.
After 43 years of practicing law, Jerry Berry hung up his hat in 2022 to spend more time with his family. Unsurprisingly, many awards followed his retirement announcement. The CCBA recognized his commitment to bettering the legal system by awarding him with its Medal of Honor. The FACDL dedicated its Tallahassee headquarters to Jerry, renaming it “The Berry Building” in his honor. During his tenure as president of the organization, Jerry led the procurement and renovation of the building.
Working incredibly hard to provide Taylor and Casey with the foundational opportunities he did not have, Jerry prioritized their education. Both of his children graduated from The Community School of Naples, with Taylor later graduating from Wake Forest University and Georgetown University, and Casey graduating from The University of the South as a starting player on the school’s basketball team. Despite the universities’ distance from Naples and Jerry’s demanding trial schedule, he and Cathy attended Wake Forest basketball and football games with Taylor and sat in the stands of many of Casey’s basketball games. A lifelong Florida State fan, cheering for the Demon Deacons when they played the Seminoles was, perhaps, Jerry’s most profound internal struggle.
Jerry took immense pride in raising fulfilled, independent children who followed their careers and passions, even though that meant leaving the State of Florida. Again, despite the distance, Jerry and Cathy continued to stay involved in their lives. Jerry cleared his calendar the day his granddaughter, Parker, arrived, showing up to the Nashville, Tennessee hospital in the slacks and tie he wore to the office that morning, briefcase in hand. Forever a member of the kids’ table himself, Jerry reliably riled up the next generation, no matter the occasion. Jerry felt strongly that kids should be kids.
He believed in the power of sports to unite players, families, and communities alike. To this end, he founded the competitive youth traveling basketball team, The Naples Flame. Through this team, Jerry established an environment of inclusivity and mentorship for kids across the city who shared a common love of the sport. Two decades later, many players continued to stay in touch with Jerry.
When not saving the world or spending time with his family, Jerry regularly took his art of the debate on the road, resting his case (or not) on the Hideout links most Sunday afternoons. He appreciated the camaraderie of golf as much as he enjoyed the sport. Over the course of his four decades in Naples, he forged strong, lasting relationships with friends who valued his unwavering loyalty and generosity. His family cannot thank these friends enough for their love and support over the years, especially in these final months.
In his final year of life, Jerry opted not to travel the world or check items off a bucket list, firmly believing that making memories with his family and hitting the golf course with close friends in the town he called home for four decades would bring him the most happiness. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider making a donation in Jerry’s name to the Innocence Project of Florida.